Researchers have found a so-called broadly neutralizing antibody (BNA) that can recognize a key, shape-shifting portion of HIV, known as the envelope spike, when it’s in multiple forms. These findings suggest that this naturally occurring immune response could be manufactured as an HIV treatment. The envelope spike is located on HIV’s surface and made up of a series of proteins that bind to a receptor on the surface of immune cells. If HIV is floating independently through the body, the spike is likely in a closed position. But research has shown that HIV can spread directly from an infected immune cell to another immune cell, in which case the viral spike is probably in an open position. This particular BNA can recognize and attach to the viral spike when the spike is either closed or partially open, ultimately neutralizing the virus.